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Topics: Celebrity, Crime, Entertainment, Music, Police
Callum Jones
Topics: Celebrity, Crime, Entertainment, Music, Police
Diddy has broken his silence for the first time since his homes were raided by cops earlier this week.
The rapper, whose real name is Sean Combs, has been in the headlines this week after his homes were raided amid allegations.
The 54-year-old was subject to the raids in connection with a sex trafficking investigation being conducted by federal agents.
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Homeland security confirmed the raid took place in a statement provided on Monday (25 March).
Law enforcement sources told ABC that Diddy's sons, Justin and Christian, were detained outside the home, as is customary in these sorts of operations.
However, it was confirmed that both have since been released without charge.
"Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners," the statement read.
"We will provide further information as it becomes available."
While Diddy did not comment on matters at the time, his attorney has now provided a statement 24 hours after the raid took place.
Dyer said: "Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs' residences.
"There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated."
He added: "Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities.
"Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way."
A video obtained by TMZ showed the aftermath of the raid, as Combs could be seen wearing a white shirt and blue trousers as he paced in a circle around Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.
As per eyewitnesses cited by TMZ, Combs and some other people got stopped by federal agents at the airport.
More importantly though, the footage does show the rapper was not detained.
Dyer continued: "This unprecedented ambush, paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence, leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.
"There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name."
The raids come after Combs was sued by his ex-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura - aka Cassie - in November over allegations of rape and abuse.
The rapper has denied the allegations.